HC Deb 16 July 1996 vol 281 cc487-8W
18. Mr. Timms

To ask the Secretary of State for Health what assessment he has made of the private finance initiative in the health service. [35799]

Mr. Horam

The private finance initiative is providing the services and facilities which enable the national health service to concentrate on providing high-quality health care.

26. Mr. Garnier

To ask the Secretary of State for Health what is his Department's policy on the use of private finance initiative; and if he will make a statement. [35808]

Mr. Horam

All capital developments in the national health service have to be tested for private finance. Private finance will be used if it offers the best value for money and transfers risk to the private sector.

Sir Michael Neubert

To ask the Secretary of State for Health on how many occasions he has varied his decision on local strategies for acute services in response to alternative proposals arising from private finance initiatives. [36380]

Mr. Horam

Capital developments in the national health service, whether privately or publicly financed, must be consistent with local health-care strategies. Any capital scheme must also be supported by the main purchasers of the trust concerned, who can therefore ensure that the scheme is consistent with their purchasing strategies.